Exactly How Many Kids Does Nick Cannon Have and Who Are the Mothers

Nick Cannon currently has 12 children with six different women. This count includes his eldest twins, born in 2011, and his youngest child, born in late 2022. The television host and producer has become a central figure in pop culture discussions regarding non-traditional family structures, frequently addressing his role as a father in various interviews and public appearances.

For those looking for a quick breakdown, the "Cannon Clan" consists of:

• Two children with Mariah Carey
• Three children with Brittany Bell
• Three children with Abby De La Rosa
• Two children with Alyssa Scott (one of whom tragically passed away)
• One child with Bre Tiesi
• One child with LaNisha Cole

While the sheer number of children often makes headlines, the timeline of their arrivals and the unique co-parenting dynamics involved offer a deeper look into the life of the "Masked Singer" host.

The Complete List of Nick Cannon’s 12 Children

Understanding the full scope of Nick Cannon’s family requires looking at each branch of his family tree. Below is the chronological breakdown of his children, categorized by their mothers.

Children with Mariah Carey

Nick Cannon was married to music icon Mariah Carey from 2008 to 2016. During their marriage, they welcomed twins who remain Cannon's oldest children.

1. Moroccan Scott Cannon: Born on April 30, 2011. Nicknamed "Roc," his first name was inspired by the Moroccan-themed decor of the apartment where Cannon proposed to Carey. His middle name, Scott, is Cannon's middle name and his grandmother's maiden name.
2. Monroe Cannon: Born on April 30, 2011. Moroccan’s twin sister. She was named after Marilyn Monroe, a major inspiration for her mother. Interestingly, Monroe does not have a middle name because Mariah herself does not have one.

Children with Brittany Bell

Brittany Bell, a model and former Miss Arizona USA, has three children with Cannon.

3. Golden "Sagon" Cannon: Born in February 2017. As of 2024, Golden has been described by his mother as academically advanced, having skipped a grade and showing high cognitive intellect.
4. Powerful Queen Cannon: Born in December 2020. She was born via a natural water birth, which Bell described as an empowering experience.
5. Rise Messiah Cannon: Born in September 2022. His arrival was announced shortly after the birth of Cannon’s ninth child with another mother.

Children with Abby De La Rosa

Abby De La Rosa, a professional DJ and model, shares three children with Cannon, including a set of twins.

6. Zion Mixolydian Cannon: Born on June 14, 2021. He is one-half of Cannon's second set of twins.
7. Zillion Heir Cannon: Born on June 14, 2021. Known by the nickname "Zilly," he is Zion's twin brother.
8. Beautiful Zeppelin Cannon: Born on November 11, 2022. Her birth was announced just as Cannon was entering the busiest month of his fatherhood journey.

Children with Alyssa Scott

Alyssa Scott, a model, has had two children with Cannon.

9. Zen S. Cannon: Born on June 23, 2021. Tragically, Zen passed away in December 2021 at just five months old due to a malignant brain tumor (hydrocephalus). His loss has been a recurring subject of reflection for Cannon.
10. Halo Marie Cannon: Born on December 14, 2022. She was born nearly a year to the day after Zen's passing, a coincidence the family has noted with deep emotion.

Child with Bre Tiesi

Bre Tiesi is a model and real estate agent featured on "Selling Sunset."

11. Legendary Love Cannon: Born in June 2022. His birth was documented in a YouTube video shared by Tiesi, showing an unmedicated home birth.

Child with LaNisha Cole

LaNisha Cole is a photographer and former model.

12. Onyx Ice Cole Cannon: Born on September 14, 2022. Her birth came as a surprise to many followers, as the pregnancy had been kept relatively private until her arrival.

The Unprecedented Timeline of 2021 and 2022

The years 2021 and 2022 were statistically remarkable for the Cannon family. Within this 24-month window, Nick Cannon welcomed nine of his twelve children.

In 2021, Cannon welcomed three children: twins Zion and Zillion in mid-June, followed by Zen just nine days later. This rapid succession of births drew significant media attention and sparked widespread curiosity about his lifestyle and the logistics of his parenting.

However, 2022 was even more prolific. Between June and December of that year, five children were born:

• June: Legendary Love
• September: Onyx Ice Cole and Rise Messiah
• November: Beautiful Zeppelin
• December: Halo Marie

This period solidified Cannon's place in the headlines as a "prolific father," a title he has embraced with both humor and sincerity. During this time, he often joked that "the stork was on the way" while maintaining that each pregnancy was intentional.

Why Does Nick Cannon Have So Many Kids?

The question of "why" is one Nick Cannon has addressed multiple times, offering different perspectives depending on the stage of his life.

The "Trauma" and "Acting Out" Theory

In a revealing interview in late 2024 and early 2025, Cannon opened up about the psychological motivations behind his growing family. He admitted that the trauma following his 2016 divorce from Mariah Carey played a significant role. He described a period of being "careless" and "frivolous" with his lifestyle because he had the financial means and access to move as he pleased.

He noted that instead of seeking therapy to handle the dissolution of his marriage, he used his subsequent relationships as a distraction. "I was acting out because I'm like, 'Oh, I'm the man now,'" he confessed, acknowledging that his behavior was a way to avoid the "actual work" required for emotional healing.

A Love for Children

Despite the admission of past carelessness, Cannon consistently maintains that he loves all his children unconditionally. He has described the joy of waking up as a father and the excitement of witnessing his children's milestones, from academic awards to their first steps. He views his family infrastructure as a source of pride rather than a burden.

The Logistics of Co-Parenting

Managing relationships with six different mothers requires a complex logistical framework. Cannon has been open about the challenges, particularly the "biggest guilt" of not being able to spend enough time with every child individually. He has admitted to being "spread thin" due to his high-intensity career in media and production.

Communication styles among the mothers vary. Bre Tiesi has publicly stated that while the mothers are generally supportive of one another, they primarily focus on their own individual family units within the larger "blended" structure. Cannon himself has admitted to occasional blunders, such as mixing up Mother's Day cards, highlighting the human difficulties of managing such a large family.

Recent Updates and Family Dynamics in 2025

As of mid-2025, Nick Cannon’s family continues to be a focal point of his social media presence. In August 2025, he shared a series of photos showcasing the growing bond between his children from different mothers.

The Nickname Reveal

Cannon recently shared the unique nicknames he uses for several of his children, giving fans a glimpse into their personalities:

• Zillion Heir: "Chill Zill," "Big Zilly," or "Air Z."
• Legendary Love: "Ledgey Ledge," "Popcorn Love," or "LL Cool Cannon."
• Zion Mixolydian: "DJ Z-Mix," "Big Poppa," or "Zion the Lion."
• Beautiful Zeppelin: "BZ," "Busy Bee," or "Bonita."

These nicknames reflect the fun and lighthearted atmosphere Cannon tries to maintain within his household, despite the logistical complexities.

Academic Milestones

Updates on his older children show them thriving in various environments. His son Golden is reportedly excelling in the fourth grade at age seven, while his oldest daughter Monroe has been described by Nick as his "best therapist," showing wisdom beyond her years and helping him navigate the emotional difficulty of losing Zen.

The Loss of Zen and the Birth of Halo

The most somber chapter of the Cannon family story is the passing of Zen S. Cannon. Born in June 2021 to Alyssa Scott, Zen was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor after his parents noticed unusual breathing patterns. Despite surgeries, the condition worsened, and Zen died in December 2021.

Nick Cannon used his platform to share his grief, describing the experience as the most "dark and depressive" time of his life. He spent Zen's final days at the beach, a memory he has shared with great vulnerability.

A year later, in December 2022, Cannon and Alyssa Scott welcomed their daughter, Halo Marie. Scott has shared that she feels Zen's spirit in every breath she takes and believes he is watching over his younger sister. The birth of Halo was seen by many as a "rainbow baby" moment for the couple, providing a sense of healing after a year of mourning.

Is Nick Cannon Done Having Kids?

The question of whether the 12th child is the last is one that remains semi-open. In early 2024 and again in 2025, Cannon stated he was "pressing hold" on expanding the family further. He jokingly cited his bank account and his current state of being "chilled" as reasons to pause.

"Twelve ain't enough?" he quipped in an interview, suggesting that while he isn't strictly "against" having more children in the distant future (three to five years from now), he has no immediate plans to do so. He has also humorously addressed the topic of a vasectomy in the past, though he has not confirmed undergoing the procedure.

How Nick Cannon Balances His Career and 12 Kids

Nick Cannon is one of the busiest men in Hollywood, hosting "The Masked Singer," managing his "Wild 'N Out" brand, and producing various media projects. His ability to balance these professional commitments with his responsibilities as a father of 12 is a feat of extreme scheduling.

He has mentioned that his "late-night" lifestyle and constant work are both a blessing and a curse. While his career provides the financial stability to support his large family, it also consumes the time he wishes he could spend with them. He has expressed a desire for his daughters, in particular, to learn from his mistakes and to have a clear understanding of what a present and honest man looks like.

Summary of the Cannon Family Structure

To keep track of the 12 children, it is helpful to look at them through the lens of their birth years and their maternal groupings.

Conclusion

Nick Cannon’s journey as a father of 12 is a unique narrative in the world of celebrity news. From the early days of his marriage to Mariah Carey to the "stork-heavy" years of 2021 and 2022, his family has grown in a way that challenges traditional social norms. While he admits to past frivolity and the trauma that influenced his choices, he remains a dedicated, if "spread thin," father who celebrates the individuality of each of his children. Whether 12 is the final number or just a temporary pause, the Cannon family remains one of the most talked-about and expansive households in the public eye today.

FAQ

How many kids does Nick Cannon have in total?

As of 2025, Nick Cannon has a total of 12 children.

Who is the mother of Nick Cannon's oldest children?

His oldest children, twins Moroccan and Monroe, were born to his ex-wife, Mariah Carey.

How many sets of twins does Nick Cannon have?

Nick Cannon has two sets of twins: Moroccan and Monroe (with Mariah Carey) and Zion and Zillion (with Abby De La Rosa).

Which of Nick Cannon's children passed away?

His son Zen, whom he shared with Alyssa Scott, passed away at five months old in December 2021 due to a brain tumor.

Has Nick Cannon stopped having kids?

In recent interviews, Nick Cannon has stated he is "pressing hold" on having more children for now, though he has not definitively ruled out having more in the future.

How many mothers are there for Nick Cannon's 12 kids?

There are six different mothers: Mariah Carey, Brittany Bell, Abby De La Rosa, Alyssa Scott, Bre Tiesi, and LaNisha Cole.

What is the age gap between Nick Cannon's oldest and youngest child?

His oldest children were born in April 2011, and his youngest was born in December 2022, making the age gap approximately 11 and a half years.